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Tolleson USD discusses tutor-bus expansion; district explores training staff for short routes
Summary
The district discussed running short “tutor buses” for early-start campuses, seeking volunteers to obtain CDLs or use alternative vehicles; the board heard estimates and equity concerns and asked for a future formal presentation with cost details.
The Tolleson Union High School District board discussed expanding “tutor bus” transportation to get students home after one-hour tutoring sessions at early‑start campuses, but members said more analysis is needed on cost, equity and staffing.
Superintendent Geis said the district’s main obstacle is driver availability: drivers who would double back to run short tutor routes are already on late‑start routes. The district is exploring training other employees to obtain commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) or using alternate vehicles such as activity buses or white vans.
Geis estimated the program would need about 15–20 staff members willing to add a CDL to run one‑hour routes; training would require two to three weeks and behind‑the‑wheel hours, and not all volunteers will finish the certification process. Geis gave a blended overtime estimate in discussion of roughly $25–$30 per hour depending on the employee’s current rate and whether overtime applies.
Board members raised equity questions about ensuring McKinney‑Vento (homeless) students and foster‑care students would receive consistent service. Geis and other district staff said McKinney‑Vento students are typically transported in district vans by designated McKinney‑Vento drivers and that staff in the audience could provide details in a later presentation.
Why it matters: Tutors and after‑school programs can improve outcomes, but transportation gaps can prevent students from staying for extra help. The district said this was an introductory discussion and will return with a formal presentation including cost estimates, equity considerations and transportation staff input.
What’s next: The district will bring a formal presentation to a future board meeting with detailed cost scenarios, identified employees, training timelines, and a plan for serving McKinney‑Vento and foster‑care students.
